Laura Lee Langley

Discussion on the intangible economy, the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Advance discussions on policies and programs that advance prosperity and innovation in Atlantic Canada and beyond including procurement, productivity, healthtech, artifical intelligence, clean tech, skills, immigration and other topics of relevance to members. Discuss trade and the impact of tariffs, as they relate to CCI members and policies, with officials - particularly as it relates to Atlantic Canada and/or other jurisdictions. Discuss Atlantic Canadian global trade opportunities relevant to CCI members and emerging regional opportunities (particularly in defence and aerospace) with officials. Raise the profile of the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI), and our members, in Atlantic Canada to relevant decision makers; coordinate meetings for our Atlantic members. Coordinate events and meetings related to the Canada - US relationship. Pursue funding to support Atlantic regional initiatives and capacity building.

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is engaging with government officials to discuss the alignment between CCI’s priorities and the federal government’s efforts to foster innovation in Canada. These discussions focus on ensuring that government programs and policies effectively support high-growth Canadian technology firms and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy: advocacy was focused on bringing domestic firms into the value chain through policies and measures that provide equal opportunity for Canadian Head Quartered companies. Discussion on the intangible economy, SR&ED, and economic growth as it relates to domestic expenditures for intellectual property filing, as well as a focus on small and medium-sized companies. US Trade - discussed Tariffs and handling of Canada US Mexico Trade Agreement. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Small Business and Tourism, Changes to Canadian Export Program (CanExport) so it allows more technology companies to apply Procurement – Changes to Request for Proposal (RFP) process to break down large bundles into smaller amounts for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) can apply Health Canada: advocate for an increase of resources for Therapeutics Canada for them to speed up processing times and efficiencies within their department; create working groups and framework with industry leaders and health Canada on digital and data health, and create a therapeutics working group with industry and health Canada. Finance – Changes to Scientific research and experimental development (SR&ED) tax incentive program to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to further increase the maximum a SME can apply for Export Development Canada (EDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy. Environment and Climate Change Canada, give input and feedback on the PanCanada Framework, Canada-China agreement for scientific and technological cooperation, and the relationship between Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emitters & CO2 Reducers. Our focus is on involving Canadian high-growth firms in the policies and programs the government is working on regarding climate change and the greening of government. Discussions on international trade, specifically on the North American Free Trade Agreement with respect to data localisation, labour mobility and tariffs. Defence & Security: advocate for a domestic-focused cybersecurity ecosystem that has Canadian companies at the centre of a national cybersecurity defence policy. Citizenship and immigration – Change the current work visa time lines, seek changes to the the Labour Market Impact Assessment for expatiating and a faster process Changes to Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) to make the process easier for Medium and Small Business (SMEs) to apply and report on the current program, to Increase the maximum amount a SME can apply for Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) - changes to (scientific research and experimental development) SR&ED program with how it is administered and reviewed. Discussed companies SR&ED claims and issues with their processing. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to establish a sponsorship agreement related to CCI's Board education training program for the intangible economy.

Engaging the government of Canada in conversations about integrating hydrogen into Canada’s trade diversification agenda, including exploring opportunities in emerging markets and supporting infrastructure that enables domestic and international hydrogen adoption. Engage the government of Canada in conversations regarding the development and implementation of the Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit Communicating with government regarding the adoption of hydrogen and hydrogen fuel technologies, carbon pricing, and policies encouraging reduction in CO2 emissions.

Matters related to international trade, foreign policy and energy including Canada-US. Tax reform; the proposed changes to the excessive interest and financing expenses limitation under the Income Tax Act. Policy and regulatory Framework for air emissions, including greenhouse gases (GHGs), air pollutants, renewable energy, emission limits, compliance options, time frames for application of new limits, reporting requirements and economic impacts, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Clean Electricity Regulations, and Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations. Matters related to energy security, artificial intelligence and cyber security Legislation, policies, regulations and programs related to the energy transition and climate change including regional energy cooperation, net-zero initiatives and the economy. Federal financing instruments, grants, contributions, investment tax credits, indigenous financing tools and other funding mechanisms in support of the development of energy infrastructure Federal Loan Guarantee program including for the Maritime Link project Federal administration of fiduciary responsibility for Indigenous Affairs and the advancement of indigenous partnership in the energy sector Federal regulatory matters including as it relates to the Canadian Impact Assessment Act, the Fisheries Act, Transport Canada Act, Species at Risk Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, and other federal regulation, policy and legislation in respect of energy development Canadian Environmental Protection Act requirements in respect of Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollutants including the Clean Electricity Regulations Matters involving the National Electricity Strategy, the Build Canada Act, Major Projects, Projects of National Interest, inter-provincial and intra-provincial transmission and energy trade, East-West energy development, natural gas transmission and regulatory policy matters.

Changes to the Competition Act and their implementation. Trade and/or shipment of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas between/within Canada and/or the United States. Development of regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA): Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Clean Electricity Oil and Gas Emissions Methane Base-level Industrial Emission Requirements Development of air pollutant, greenhouse gas and other energy transition policies and programs. Clean Fuel Regulations (SOR/2022-140) and their implementation, in particular plans related to the implementation of these regulations in Canada's Atlantic Provinces

Explore funding and/or grant opportunities within the Federal Government as they align with Memorial University strategic initiatives and Federal Government strategic initiatives, especially those related to Science and Technology, Innovation, Arctic and Northern Development, and Ocean and Marine development.

Exploring opportunities with Strategic Innovation Fund to facilitate the evolution to lower GHG emissions in the mobility sector Engaging with the Government of Canada to explore the possibility of future potential investments in Canada Meetings with Government of Canada representatives with regard to securing and promoting Michelin North America's business operations in Canada and highlighting its work in the areas of technology and innovation. Enhance understanding of new defence policies and programs. Meeting with Government of Canada representatives with regard to the Work Sharing program as it may potentially apply to Michelin Canada's operations.

Promoting Business Sustainability and Industry Competitiveness – TIAC promotes optimal forms of government intervention that support the competitiveness of Canada’s tourism companies via public grants, tax credits, repayable financing contributions and policies and programs that augment entrepreneurship, innovation and commercial protections. During this critical period as the sector looks to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, TIAC is working to ensure that government loans provided through the CEBA, RRRF, HASCAP and related initiatives have an optimal impact through guidelines and repayment conditions that are conducive to business growth. Improving Access for Visitors to and within Canada – TIAC supports the efficient movement of travellers to and within Canada through enhancements to the visitor visa process in order to meet international demand for travel to Canada. TIAC also works to ensure that regulations and policies related to transportation, air travel, waterways and ports of entry are developed and implemented to optimally connect, and not impede, domestic and international travellers to urban and rural destinations, key attractions, sporting events, and business meetings in Canada. Developing and Promoting World-class Tourism Assets – Ensuring Canada maintains and promotes the development of world-class tourism assets requires considerable investment from both public and private sources. TIAC advocates for continued investment, particularly in respect to under-serviced communities, and effective promotion of existing assets as well as the development of new, more competitive ones for both Canadian and world travellers to discover and experience. TIAC’s efforts on this front include monitoring and raising policy issues that directly affect Indigenous tourism development with a goal of empowering Indigenous communities in generating their own economies while also providing Canadians and foreign visitors alike the opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples and to experience their unique and diverse culture in a deeply meaningful way. Building a Regenerative and Inclusive Tourism Industry – TIAC works with government to support a tourism sector that is more resilient, sustainable, and equitable through priority investment in regenerative tourism and specialized recruitment programs for equity seeking groups. Attracting and Retaining a Sustainable Tourism Workforce – TIAC supports the creation and optimization of policy and programs aimed at addressing the significant labour shortages that now exist in the tourism sector due to the affects of restrictive public health measures, border closures, and increased operational costs that were related to the COVID-19 pandemic. TIAC also advocates for a strong tourism workforce via regulations and policies in regard to immigration, including issues related to pathways to permanent-residency and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.